Equipment Technician, Plasma Etching, ALE & Ion Milling, Microelectronics Research Center

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

2d•$48,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Microelectronics Research Center (MRC) laboratories serve users from both universities and corporations across many different fields: electronics, optics, physics, chemistry and astronomy, as well as chemical, mechanical and petroleum engineering. The MRC is more than a clean room with a comprehensive set of advanced nano-fabrication equipment; it is a community of scientists who work together to build advanced technology products and knowledge. UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage Retirement contributions Paid vacation and sick time Paid holidays Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered. The Equipment Technician supports dry etching operations, including plasma etching, atomic layer etching (ALE), and ion milling systems. The technician assists with equipment operation, routine maintenance, and safety monitoring, with emphasis on tool readiness, diagnostics, metrology support, and hardware troubleshooting in a shared‑user cleanroom environment.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED
Minimum of 4 years of skilled construction and maintenance of equipment that includes 2 years of experience in semiconductor, plasma, or ion beam processing environments.
Familiarity with vacuum systems, RF power supplies, gas delivery systems, and cleanroom protocols.
Basic understanding of dry etching or ion milling equipment operation and performance indicators.
Experience working with toxic gas systems, safety interlocks, and emergency response procedures.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in electronics, engineering technology, materials science, or a related technical field.
Experience supporting RIE, ICP, ALE, or ion milling tools in a research or pilot‑line cleanroom environment.
Prior hands‑on experience with preventive maintenance execution and component replacement.
Experience in a shared‑user academic or national laboratory facility.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor dry etching equipment (e.g., RIE systems, ICP reactors, ALE modules, and ion milling tools).
Train users in equipment operation, tool limitations, and safe use practices in accordance with approved procedures.
Support routine etching and milling runs and collect basic metrology or performance data using tools such as profilometers, ellipsometers, SEM, and endpoint diagnostics.
Assist engineers and researchers by ensuring tools are properly configured and operational.
Conduct diagnostic testing and perform mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, including replacement of RF components, vacuum hardware, gas delivery components, and ion sources.
Maintain accurate logs of equipment status, alarms, maintenance actions, and usage.
Support tool qualification, calibration, and preventive maintenance activities.
Safely handle toxic and corrosive process gases, including cylinder exchanges, leak checks, and alarm response, following standard operating procedures.